Rosenthal On Twins, Lee, Dodgers, Nats

A major league GM told Rosenthal that he expects the Twins to be the most active team at the deadline. While many in the industry expect the club to be players forCliff Lee, their officials are telling teams that they have other priorities. Their greater need is at third base while they may also shop for bullpen help. However, the Twins are in a very strong financial position as they had insurance on Joe Nathan's contract. If they can recover half of that deal, they'll take in $5.6MM. On top of that, the box office numbers in their new home, Target Field, are very solid.

Speaking of Lee, Seattle is telling clubs that they want young hitters in return for the ace. It's a desire that could be a hurdle for several interested clubs. The Mets, for example, wouldn't part with Ike Davis in order to land the hurler on a rental. Meanwhile, the Dodgers wouldn't want to give upMatt Kempor James Loney.

Rosenthal adds that the Dodgers may have a hard time landing the elite starter that they seek. The Astros are looking for financial relief and top prospects in return for Roy Oswalt. Pulling off a deal for Dan Haren of the Diamondbacks could prove to be difficult as Arizona likely doesn't want to trade him within the division.

Nats GM Mike Rizzo told Rosenthal that the team could be both buyers and sellers at the trade deadline. Rizzo says he's under no orders to trim payroll and could take on salary if it meant taking on a long-term asset. Right now, the Nats have five starters on the disabled list, including Jordan Zimmermann. Once he comes back, the club will have two young power pitchers and more depth to work with.

If the Rockies make a move to fill the void at shortstop after losing Troy Tulowitzki to injury, they might only sign someone like Adam Everettto serve as insurance in Triple A.

Is anyone else getting sick of the “No one wants to give up any real talent for JUST a rental” jargon? I sure as hell am.

Again, the 2011 draft class is lining up to be a VERY good one. The team that trades for Lee will get one of the best pitchers in baseball for the rest of the year AND 2 very good draft picks next year AT THE VERY LEAST.

Believe it or not, Lee is going to command at least 1 player (in probably a 3 player package) that would be considered a grade “A” prospect. And not one thats in A-ball either. Know something else? He’s worth it.

The Twinkies seem like the no-brainer here. They NEED an ace asap… They have a talented guy in Ramos that could probably centerpiece the deal… and they just happened to be swimming in cash since the opening of Target Field. As a Mariner fan (with no hope left for this year) I wouldn’t mind seeing Lee help the Twins push through the playoffs.

Much rather see that than Lee go to a monster market team like the Yanks, Sox or Dodgers.

He’s pitching like one right now. Who knows if he keeps it up. With Lee on the other hand…. There ain’t no wondering about Lee. Plus he had the first month off. His arm will be a lot fresher than most come Sept/Oct.

Anybody know how many years Haren has left on his contract? Regardless, if Arizona were to trade him to LA I don’t see them being in serious contention while he’s still in his current contract. Also, Arizona did not seem to mind dealing within their division last year at the trade deadline.

“The Mariners didn’t give up that much to get Lee so we shouldn’t either”

No offense man but thats a crock. It makes no difference what the Mariners gave up to get him. They HAVE him. Just because Ruben Amaro is an idiot doesn’t decrease the value of Lee. 99% of people believe that if Amaro would have shopped Lee he would have got a MUCH better package of prospects. Its a boon to Seattle that he didn’t.

I guarantee you this. Seattle will get a way better bundle of players than they gave up for Lee. That’ll be the one feather in Jacks cap this year.